Ms BURNET (Clark) – Honourable Speaker, I would like to recognise the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and celebrate multicultural action at the local government level and across our Tasmanian community.
On Friday, 21 March, the International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, I took part in a march along the Hobart waterfront which led to an event at Parliament House lawns. The event was billed as a celebration of Hobart’s cultural diversity, which it certainly was, and it was organised by the six Greater Hobart councils in conjunction with the Migrant Resource Centre of Tasmania.
I commend the mayors, general managers and staff who led this event and worked so hard to make it a success, particularly their stance against racism.
Community leaders from Brighton, Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart, Kingborough and Sorell councils marched in unity alongside leaders and members from the multicultural community in Tasmania, as well as ministers and MPs.
Councils are often the frontline for reports of racial vilification and for community members who need help, and they now have the resources available for advice and how to stand up against racism in its many forms. They are available on each of the council’s websites.
During the event we were reminded of the importance of anti-racism education and being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to taking a stand against discrimination of any kind. From time to time a shocking incident will make the news, but what we do not see as often are the day-to-day microaggressions, the unconscious biases, the passing remarks and casual insults that do not make headlines but do have a devastating impact on people’s lives. Having this kind of challenging discussion is the hard work that must be done to confront racism.
The Tasmanian community is strengthened as we continue a long history of welcoming migrants from around the world. The Greens, at all levels of government, stand in solidarity with the Tasmanian migrant community. It is so important to ensure people like senator Nick McKim are re-elected to ensure the Greens’ voice on behalf of migrants is strong in federal parliament.
I now turn to those people and groups who are doing their bit to increase and celebrate diversity – particularly multicultural diversity – in Tasmania. One group that has been working hard over a number of years to combat racism through their messages and plays is Students Against Racism. The next screening of their film Our Journey will be held at the Moonah Arts Centre on Tuesday 15 April. Check their website to get more details.
I acknowledge the former MCOT chair and community advocate, Syeda Aimen Jafri, and the honourable Peter Gutwein, who have been appointed to the newly established Australian Multicultural Council. They join leaders from across the country and will play a vital role in providing independent and robust advice on key recommendations from the Multicultural Framework Review.
Lastly, I would like to say how much I enjoyed the Nepal Festival held on Saturday 29 March, and thank all who were involved in sponsoring and making this second biennial festival on Parliament House lawns such a success. The panche baja trumpets were playing and there was dancing, a celebration of Nepalese culture, plenty of Nepali spoken, and good food eaten. Thank you to the Nepalese community of Tasmania for making us feel so welcome.
